Restless Legs Syndrome in Gun Factory Workers Exposed to Solvents

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by a complaint of an almost irresistible urge to move the legs.

Aims: We investigated whether long-term low-level exposures to solvents affects the development of restless legs syndrome.

Methods: 388 workers were questioned for RLS, psychological distress and somatic symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of RLS was not different in workers exposed to solvents than in those without (n: 192; 5.2% vs. n: 196; 5.6%, p = 0.8, respectively). Exposure to solvents was not associated with an increased risk of RLS. In solvent-exposed group, there was positive correlation between daytime sleepiness, frequent awakening, kicking during sleep, sleep duration, time spent in bed, apnea and snoring scores. Alcohol consumption were related to higher kicking during sleep and difficulty falling asleep scores. The RLS percentages were 7/173 (4.0%) for daytime working subjects; and 2/16 (12.5%) for shift-workers.

Conclusion: Chronic exposure to low doses of solvents doesn’t affect the development of RLS.